Toothbrush



Nov. 25, 1941. w, MQGAULEY 2,263,885

TOOTHBRUSH Filed lay 9,1940;

. proper, the

Patented Nov. 25, 1941 TOOTHBBUSH Walter G. McGauley, New York, N. Y.

Application May 9, 1940, Serial No. 334,280

umr STATES plu OFF "and middle finger grasp the handle proper.

A further object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush, the handle of which is so constructed that it is equally adaptable for a right or left handed person.

With such objects in view, as well as other advantages which may be incident to the use of the improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations thereof hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements constituting the as to insure the'bru'sh being grasped in a proper manner by either a right or left handed user, so

- as to brushthe teeth in the proper manner or in same may be varied in proportions and arrangement without departing from the nature and scope of the invention.

In order to make the invention more clearly understood there are shown in the accompanying drawing means for carryin the same into practical effect, without limiting the improvements in their useful applications, to the particular constructions which. for the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

In said drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my improved toothbrush looking from the rear or back portion thereof.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged central sectional view through the brush.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Referring to the drawing, the reference character l indicates the brush end or head portion of the implement, and 2 the handle portion. The latter is preferably constructed of spiral configuration having alternate ridges 8 and grooves 4,

a vertical direction. r

It will be observed that, the grooves d of the spiral handle are of substantial depth and of materially greater width than the ridges 3 so as to constitute convenient rests or seats for the terminal fingers of the hand, thereby insuring against relative movement, slippage or twisting during use. Said grooves also cooperate with the thumb and finger depressions 5 and 5, to the end that in using the brush the described handle configuration is such as to insure its being held and maintained in the proper position and manner. In other words, the user grasps the outwardly bulged spiral portion of the brush handle with the little finger, ring finger and middle finger resting in the grooves 5, while the index finger and thumb rest respectively within the aforesaid finger and thumb depressions 5 and 3. By utilizing the brush in this manner, the user or individual is prevented from dropping the toothbrush, or having the same slip out of his hand while in the process of cleaning his teeth. Furthermore, the described structure allows and influences the user to mechanically hold the brush in the above stated position, so that the proper cleansing of the teeth is performed scientifically.

What is claimed is:

Y 1. A-toothbrush comprising a handle portion I and a head portion having bristles extending at an angle therefrom, said handle portion including a plurality of alternating spirally arranged ridges and grooves disposed on oppos te sides thereof, therldges and grooves on one side coinciding with the portion of the brush head from constituting the convolutions of the spiral. The

spiral portion of the handle is preferably'slightly bulged outwardly at its center as best seen in Fig. 2, thereby providing a comfortable gripping portion for the palm of the hand; Between the spiral portion of the handle and thebrush head implement is provided on opposite sides thereof thumb depression 8. This portion of the brush cooperates with which the bristles extend, said grooves being of suflici'ent width and extending along the handle a suflicient distance to constitute seating rests for, the reception therein of the fingers, whereby to influence use oi. the brush in a scientifically approved manner.

2. A toothbrush comprising a head portion and a handle portion, said handle portion including a plurality of alternating spirally arranged ridges and grooves disposed completely therearound and extending from intermediate the handle with a finger depression 5 and a the spiral part of the handle so portion to substantially the outer end thereof,

said grooves being. of material width so as to constitute seating rests for the reception therein of the fingers, whereby to influence use of the brush in a scientifically approved manner.

3. A toothbrush comprising a handle portion and a head portion having bristles extending at an angle therefrom, said handle portion including a plurality of alternating spirally arranged ridges and grooves disposed on opposite sides thereof, the ridges and grooves on one side coinciding with the portion of the brush head from which the bristles extend, said grooves being of suflicient width and extending along the handle a sufficient distance to constitute seating rests for the reception therein oi the terminal fingers of the hand, said handle portion further including on opposite sides thereof a pair of finger and thumb depressions located between the spiral portion of the handle and the brush head, said depressions cooperating with said grooves to provide seating rests for all digits of the hand, whereby to influence use 01 the brush in a scientifically approved manner.

aaaaeee of a pair of finger and thumb depressions located between the spiral portion of the handle and the brush head, said depressions cooperating with said grooves to provide seating rests for all digits of the hand, whereby to influence use of the brush in a scientifically approved manner.

WALTER G. MCGAULEY, 

